Debt ceiling standoff threatens veterans' benefits.

House Republicans are considering investigating the Department of Veterans Affairs or cutting its communications budget after the agency warned that the GOP's debt limit proposal could result in reductions to veterans' healthcare and benefits. The bill passed by House Republicans last week would raise the debt ceiling in exchange for placing a cap on the overall amount of money the government can spend. The bill does not specifically mandate cuts to the VA or any other department, but it also does not specifically protect any department. The White House accused Republicans of wanting to "hollow out" the VA.